When a person runs into trouble in the water, it may be a natural response for someone on the sidelines to rush in and save them.

Experts with the Lee's Summit Underwater Rescue team said people who lack basic training on water rescues can sometimes pose a bigger threat to themselves.

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"A lot of times, we are going after the parent and the kid lives the rest of their life without that parent," said Jennifer Feller of the Lee's Summit Underwater Rescue team.

The safest way to save someone, Feller said, is to try to reach out with a pole, paddle, or other object.

"If you can't, you don't want to put yourself at risk," Feller said. "If you can, walk him back."

If the victim is farther out in the water, the next step is "throw," using a rope tied to a life preserver or other object that can be used to tow the person to safety.

"You want to keep the rope in your hand so you don't lose it. You have got to hang onto it or you're not going to do any good," Feller said. "You are going to do like an underhand softball pitch."

A dog leash or a belt are other options if not ropes are available.

Feller said a waterproof cellphone case can also save lives.

"Something like that will protect your phone, and if there is any emergency, you can respond by calling 911 fast because you have your phone with you," Feller said.

The last option, Feller said, is to jump in the water to rescue the person. She said a rescuer should give the person something to grab onto, but shouldn't get close enough that the victim can pull the rescuer underwater.

She said the team hopes this advice can reduce the number of cases that they will be called in to help.

She said boaters should also bring along a flag to float in the water when someone is out of the boat. The flag should be a reminder to other boaters to stay at least 100 feet away.